What term refers to the condition involving the backward flow of blood due to valve dysfunction?

The term that describes the condition involving the backward flow of blood due to valve dysfunction is regurgitation. This occurs when a heart valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow in the opposite direction. In healthy heart function, valves ensure that blood flows in one direction—either from the atria to ventricles or from the ventricles to the arteries. When regurgitation occurs, it can lead to inefficient blood circulation and various symptoms depending on the severity and location of the valve dysfunction.

Understanding regurgitation is vital for recognizing the complications it can cause, such as heart enlargement and heart failure, due to the increased volume workload on the heart. In contrast, stenosis refers to the narrowing of a valve that impedes blood flow, while hypertension denotes high blood pressure and arrhythmia describes irregular heartbeats. Each of these terms indicates different types of cardiovascular conditions, highlighting the specific nature of regurgitation as it relates to valvular incompetence.